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It seemed the animosity between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals reached a peak during the 2015 postseason when linebacker Vontaze Burfict of the Cincinnati Bengals knocked out Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.The dirty hit resulted in a suspension at the beginning of the 2016 regular season for Burfict and caused Brown to miss the divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos. Rhetoric surrounding the incident was also ugly, with Adam Pacman Jones insinuating that Brown was faking his concussion symptoms.
The tension between the two teams seemed to die down a bit in the off season, but Wednesday night on Twitter, sparks flew between Burfict and Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams. During the exchange, Burfict trolls Williams for being a backup, while Williams reminds Burfict of the time he cost his team a wildcard win by incurring a dumb penalty.
I'm just happy you unblocked your Twitter account what are you doing when u not costing your team games https://t.co/qVRfx7NAIE
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) April 6, 2016
we'll be looking forward to it after your vacation and give everyone my regards please https://t.co/WXizcUBgoh
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) April 6, 2016
You right I am backing the best back in the league u are talented but your inability to control yourself hold u back https://t.co/NbGbygGRDN
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) April 6, 2016
Williams is very active on Twitter, frequently engaging with fans. Recently, however, he was scolded by Mike Tomlin after comments about Peyton Manning's final season drew ire from Broncos fans. Some considered his criticism classless, and Williams took the time to respond to nearly every detractor.
Though the 2016 season is months away, it is clear the rivalry between the Steelers and Bengals is heating up. That should make for an explosive on-field battle this fall.